L1, L2 Visa

Let me start by stating that this forum is of immense help and everyone must go through the first-hand experiences of so many members. Nothing was asked to me which was any different from rest of posts here. Here's my overall experience.

3rd April 2018: Biometric at 8:15 a.m. We (my wife and I) reached the VAC at 8:10 a.m. No need to arrive too early as the whole process is quite streamlined and all the employees are pretty efficient in helping you get through it. We were out in 15 minutes.

4th April : Interview slot at 8:30 a.m. We reached the consulate around 8 and there was a huge crowd. Trust me, you don't need to go too early and join the crowd. There are coordinators who would make sure alternate queues are maintained and folks are guided inside at their scheduled slots. We were let inside by 8:30. It will be helpful if you don't carry watches/wallets as there are unnecessary questions and people ask the same thing multiple times!

The whole process is pretty detailed in so many posts here so I won't outline them again. For us, the whole process of getting our documents rearranged, anti-fraud DD verified, passport verification and fingerprint re-verification took nothing more than 15 mins and we joined the queue for Visa interview. It would help you if you have first 8 pages of I-129S, first 3 pages of I-797, passport and DD arranged. It would save you some 5-10 minutes. Also please write your name and passport number behind the DD (if you're carrying DD for anti-fraud and applying for L1-Blanket).

It was some wait before our turn and we were guided to one of counters. There was one applicant (alone) and he was having a lengthy conversation with the VO after she had handed him the blue slip. Trust me, you don't want to do that. She was visibly getting irritated and asked him to step aside several times. Once decided, nothing you say or prove could possibly change their decision. I felt a little disappointed since we were next. But then recollected myself saying that he just might be having a bad day! Relax, every case is different and the last thing you could do is to let yourself down at that moment. Smiled and waited patiently till VO asked us to step forward.

She greeted us with a smile.

Me: Good Morning, Ma’am!
VO: Good Morning, Can I have your passport and papers? (8 pages of I-129S and 3 pages of I-797 along with anti-fraud DD receipt).
 
Me: Sure! (Handed over the documents).
 
She took everything and started typing on her computer.

VO: (After a while. It was a long and unusual pause as I expected the first question right away) Who is your petitioner?
Me: YYYY (my current company).
 
VO: What’s your designation in India?
Me: I’m working as a Manager (Software Development Engineering).
 
VO: How long have you been working with ZZZ?
Me: Six years now, Ma’am.
 
VO: How many people report to you?
Me: 10.
 
VO: What will be your role in US?
Me: I’ll be stepping up as a Technical Program Manager.
 
VO: How many reportees in US?
Me: 8 (6 from India and 2 in US).

VO: What would be your salary in US?
Me: Base salary of ZZZ,ZZZ USD.
 
VO: Who will you report to?
Me: I’ll be reporting to YYYY who is Director of Program & Product Management.

VO: (Smiled and said) I don’t want any names just their designation.
Me: OK.
 
VO: Who does he report to?
Me: VP of Engineering.
 
VO : And who does he report to?
Me: SVP.
 
VO: And he reports to?
Me: CTO.
 
VO: And?
Me: to CEO :) (I was wondering what should I say next)
 
VO: Started typing on computer and took blue slip and stamp. She was almost ready to stamp documents but then again put everything down and started typing at the computer. Finally took the blue slip wrote something on the top and said: Unfortunately, the scope is very narrow for L1-Blanket application and I cannot approve your visa at this moment. Take this blue slip and show it to your HR they would know which visa category you need to apply for.
Me: Ok Ma’am. Thank you. Have a nice day!

No questions to my wife. I was definitely dejected for a while since I thought the interview went just fine, no red flags, no stutters , nothing that could possibly hint me something was wrong. Said to myself: Not the end of life, bad day for me too :) smiled and left the counter.
 
I was talking to several people and re-searching immihelp forums. This is a common case of rejection given following grounds:
1. L1-Blanket approval rates are lower than L1 Individual. More so at Chennai consulate.
2. Case/Petition wasn’t strong enough.
3. Reporting structure/Org-chain not pretty solid.
4. Low salary (I really don’t believe this was case for me).
 
I'm now in process of talking to attorneys and see if I need to reapply for L1A-Individual. What do you guys suggest? How long it has taken for someone through similar experience?

Thanks.